Paul Desmond and Chet Baker:Remembering The Jazz Giants: Chapter Five

Sunrise Flowers by Robert Nicosia

When it comes to alto sax players, Paul Desmond has always been my favorite.  His sound was and still is unique.  Paul was born in 1925 and died in 1977 and during his rather short life he put his own stamp on the American and International Jazz scene.  His soft and airy tone combined with his creative solos are still clean and fresh today, 35 years after his death. As I write about the "Jazz Giants" one aspect of their performances stand out for all of them.  Their recordings are still current and exciting today, years after they were recorded.  The first "YouTube" I selected is the Johnny Mandell classic "Emily"  recorded by Paul at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1975, two years before he died.  When you listen to this recording, it will tell you all you have to know about this great alto player.  Paul performs seemingly effortless, beautifully projecting the emotions of the lyrics. Paul of course, played for years with Dave Brubeck and composed perhaps their most notable song "Take Five".  I still miss the pure and clear alto tones of Paul Desmond, but I am happy that we can still listen to his wonderful recordings.

The second jazz giant included in this blog is Chet Baker. I included Chet with Paul because their classic styles and sounds fit perfectly together. I have attached a "YouTube" video of Chet playing and singing Rodgers & Hart's "My Funny Valentine". Chet came into the national jazz spotlight in 1952 when he joined the Jerry Mulligan Quartet.  The interplay between Jerry's baritone sax and Chet's trumpet broke new jazz ground with the two complementing each other's solos in perfect anticipation. The success only lasted for a year as a result of Mulligan getting arrested and imprisoned on drug charges. Chet had his own problems with drugs in the 1950's and for the remainder of his life which shortened what could have been a brilliant career. Chet moved to Europe in 1978 and stayed there until his death in 1974.  Chet's ability to play and sing songs from the "Great American Songbook" with intense emotional feeling is a skill that few musicians have ever been able to capture.  He certainly was a giant!

The final "YouTube" video selection contains both Paul and Chet playing "Autumn Leaves" together. It has a wonderful sound that gives the listener the feeling that these two talented musicians could have been brothers.

CD Review, "Bridge To Nowhere": The Dale Curtis Quintet

The Dale Curtis Quintet

Dale Curtis

On a recent visit to see Frank Di Salvo perform at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, Frank introduced me to a wonderful trumpet playing friend of his, Dale Curtis.  Dale sat in with Frank, and I really liked his phrasing style and soft trumpet and flugelhorn sound.  Later that night I found out that Dale had recently put a quintet together and cut a new CD entitled "Dale Curtis Quintet, Bridge To Nowhere".  (The title is the same as one of the songs Dale wrote for this CD.)  Of course, we all know about the politically famous Alaskan "Bridge To Nowhere" which is located in Ketchikan, Alaska, where Dale lives.

Dale has gathered a very talented group of musicians to join him on this CD.  Bob Kindred on tenor sax and clarinet, Paul Meyers on acoustic guitar who also acted as producer and arranger, Ed Littlefield on drums Christian Fabian on acoustic bass.  The group has put together some great songs and arrangements for this CD.  They approached Herbie Hancock's chestnut, "Watermelon Man"which is a very unique uptempo style that really cooks.  I loved the dreamy way Bob Kindred approached "Tenderly" with solid guitar support from Paul Meyers. Dale Curtis also shows his writing ability with the songs he wrote for this CD, "Bridge To Nowhere" and "Southeast Breeze" (You can almost feel the breeze). I especially liked the opening clarinet and bass work from Bob Kindred and Christian Fabian on "I Can't Give You Anything But Love".  This CD is a solid jazz recording with a touch of "Dixieland" on a few songs like "Lazy River". This is a totally enjoyable CD from Dale Curtis with help from his talented friends, and I highly recommend it!

Ron Kalina Stars In "Harmonica Convergence" at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Ron Kalina

Ron Kalina & Gino Antonacci

The Ron Kalina Trio

                                                                         

Gino Antonacci

                                                                 

Blake White

                                                                                 

Frank Di Salvo

Ken Steele

                                                                       

Rich Bono

On Tuesday April 16, I attended the opening of Ron Kalina's "Harmonica Convergence" at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  Ron Kalina put together a highly talented trio consisting of Blake White on Bass and Gino Antonacci on Vibes and Ron Playing both Keyboard and Harmonica. I want to start this review by stating that Ron Kalina is simply an amazing musician. Tonight Ron sang, played the Keyboard, played the Harmonica and then played the Harmonica and the Keyboard at the same time. Ron further surprised me and a lot of people in the audience with his singing ability.  His voice sounds like a combination of Fred Astaire, Chet Baker and Johnny Mercer.  Not a bad group of singers to hang with, don't you think! There were two songs that Ron played on the Harmonica tonight that were just brilliant, "Body and Soul" and "Skylark". These are two of the greatest love songs ever written and when played with the soulful sounds of Ron's harmonica, it just does get any better.

Gino Antonacci is one of only a few great jazz players you can still hear playing the Vibes.  I have not heard a Vibes player in many years and after hearing Gino play it quickly reminded me of how much I love the sound.  Gino fit perfectly with the sound of Ron's Harmonica and Keyboard.  And can he swing! What a treasure to have him playing right here in the Desert.

The third member of this group was Blake White who played the Bass.  I had recently seen Blake with the wonderful singer, Rose Mallett and thought he was a fine Bass player.  But tonight, playing jazz in this trio, he was allowed to push the Jazz envelope, and his solos were intelligent and clear.  He provided the rhythm glue to pull the trio together.

Tonight marked the first time this talented group of musicians has played together, but you would never guess it because they sounded wonderful.  This group will be back again at the Indian Wells Resort on Tuesday, April 24.  You won't find the sounds that this trio produces any where in the area, and I encourage all my readers to get over to the Indian Wells Resort next Tuesday to catch the show. I understand that the Resort is thinking about adding this group as a regular on Tuesday nights next season. This idea would certainly get my vote!

Joining in at tonight's opening were several familiar musicians that we all love.  First, the resident musical director at the Indian Wells Resort, Frank Di Salvo who sang a couple of great classic songs.  In particular, Frank did a beautiful singing job on the standard "My One And Only Love". I have never heard Frank sing better.

The next singer was Ken Steele whose golden-deep voice had the feel of the great voice of Johnny Hartman. Ken sang "But Beautiful" and then sang a great version of "Emily".

Rich Bono, one of the best pianist in the West, then joined the Trio and played several great songs from the "Great American Songbook". Rich is a great pianist, and I never miss a chance to hear him play.

Mike Costley Is Sensational At 360 North in Palm Springs

Mike Costley

Mike Costley

Mike Costley

Sal Frisaura, Larry Holloway and Yarek Yurant

Carole Hampton, Sal Frisaura, Larry Holloway and Yarek Yurant

Jeanie Stanhope, Larry Holloway and Yarek Urant

Beverly Jensen

On Wednesday, April 4, I had my first chance to hear Mike Costley sing since last winter.  Mike performs at 360 North Restaurant on Wednesdays and Thursdays to a packed house and with good reason.  Mike is pure and simple a great singer.  In addition, he is also a great performer.  When you go to hear Mike you get so much more than just a singer of songs.  Mike has his own unique approach to each song he sings, and he never opts for singing safely.  When he sings he "takes no prisoners" and pushes his performance to the highest level possible.  Tonight, I was particularly impressed with his vocal range which was far greater than I remembered.  Mike sings a variety of music from lush ballads like "The Very Thought of You" and "The Nearness of You" to a blinding fast version of "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing".  His voice can be smooth as silk singing "You Are So Beautiful" to down-and-dirty singing the blues.

As a performer, Mike is a perfectionist.  He always carefully picks the finest musicians to support his singing and tonight was no exception.  Mike had three seasoned, highly-talented players with him, Sal Frisaura on drums, Larry Holloway on bass and the always wonderful Yarek Yurant on keyboard.  I thought Yarek's performance with Mike tonight was exceptional.

As usual, there were several singers in the audience Mike called up to sing:  Carole Hampton, Jeanie Stanhope and the talented Beverly Jensen.

If you have not been over to hear Mike this season, make plans quickly.  You don't get to hear singers with Mike's talent everyday, and be sure to call 360 North for reservations as this show fills up quickly.  Reservations call 760-327-1773

Jim DeJulio, Bassist Extraordinaire

Music lovers in the Coachella Valley have the wonderful opportunity to see and hear one of the greatest living bass players in the country, Jim DeJulio.  Jim began his career in Pittsburgh, Pa and was honored by being inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame whose members include Ray Brown, Earl Gardner, George Benson and the Tarentine Brothers---not bad musical company.  Jim's first instrument was the accordion; but after a years or so, he was attracted and captured by the soulful sound of the bass. From the first day Jim bought his first bass, he practiced every free minute he had almost to the exclusion of everything else in his life. Jim's training was not limited to jazz.  He received classical training from musicians in the Pittsburgh Symphony which helped him develop his remarkable bow work.  

Because of the time he dedicated to practice, it was not long before Jim was performing with the greatest jazz musicians in the New York area including Chet Baker, Sonny Stitt, and Herbie Green just to name a few.  After Jim relocated to the West Coast, he worked with Phil Woods, Conti Condoli and some of the greatest singers of the Great American Songbook like Anita O'Day, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McCrae, June Christy, Johnny Mathis, Sammy Davis Jr, Barry Manilow and Frank Sinatra.  In fact, whenever Frank was in the Desert and wanted a bass player, Jim always got the call!  Also, Jim's marvelous resume includes his playing in the Mike Douglas Show orchestra for 18 years.

I first heard Jim play at Vicky's of Santa Fe in Indian Wells where he plays with Pat Rizzo on Mondays and Tuesdays.  What really made me a Jim De Julio fan was more than just his outstanding musical dexterity, it was his feel for melody, especially ballads from the Great American Songbook.  Few Jazz musicians, even among the great ones, have the ability to capture not only the emotion of the music but the lyrics as well.  Miles had it, Chet Baker had it, Coltrane had it and our own Desert favorite, Steve Madaio has it.  In my opinion, Jim De Julio is a charter member of this select group.

Jim has several CDs out that I have listened to and they are simply terrific.  "It's All About Time" was published in 1992 but it sounds as good today as when it was cut.  Jim is joined by a great cast of players including David Benoit, Eddie Daniels, Bill Watrous, Roy McCurry, Paul Smith, Wally Minko, Lou Forestieri and Chris Trujillo.  When you get this CD, check out the bass solo Jim performs on "Dewey Square"; it is out of this world.  There are two other songs that I keep playing over and over, "It Never Entered My Mind" and "Have You Met Miss Jones". The musical quality of these songs is as good as it gets!

Jim also put out "Take It From The Bottom" that contains some great songs like "Samba d'Marianne" that Jim wrote; the Jim Van Heusen gem, "I Thought About You" and a fine recording of "Amazing Grace".  Also, Jim plays a 2 minute solo on "How High The Moon" that gives me chills; it is that good!

The last CD I listened to was "The Jim DeJulio Jazz Quintet".  Jim is joined by top class musicians, Peter Christlieb on tenor, Conte Candoli on trumpet, Pamela York on Piano and Joe La Barbera on drums. I was surprised to see that Jim wrote five great songs for the CD. I went back and checked the other CD's and found that Jim had written songs for these CD's also.  He is truly a remarkable musician in all aspects. And this is simply a rock solid jazz recording!   You can buy these CDs on iTunes or CD Baby, and I highly recommend them all.

Book Review: "Hound Dog" The Leiber & Stoller Autobiography By Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller With David Ritz

If you love R & B and the "Rock & Roll" music of the 50's and 60's, HOUND D0G is the next book you should read!  If you write or dream about writing music and lyrics, The Leiber and Stoller example proves you have a chance to succeed but only if you are willing to dedicate your life and put your heart and soul into writing music. However even as successful Leiber and Stoller were as composers, they were always living on the financial edge even after writing some of the most successful songs in the history of the music writing business! Writing good music and lyrics is one thing, making a successful living out of it is a more difficult undertaking.

Leiber and Stoller's first love and perhaps their greatest love was the music that Black musicians were singing and playing in the 40's and 50's.  Mostly "Black Blues" music coming out of New Orleans, Chicago, LA and NY.  In addition to the "Blues" they both loved the new jazz style that was being played called "Bebop" along with the music of Fats Waller, Count Basie and the jazz pioneers like Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Erroll Garner, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. This was fine except for the fact that the big record labels like RCA, Columbia and Decca almost totally ignored the great Black artists of the times because they didn't think the music was worthwhile, artistically or commercially.  So as great as the writing of Leiber and Stoller was, there was very little market for their songs because there was only a small market for Black performers could sell their records. This fact of American musical history while known by Leiber and Stoller, had little effect on their writing.  They wanted first and foremost to write music and lyrics that would be recorded by Black artists of the times.  Even one of their greatest songs, "Hound Dog" was first recorded by Big Moma Thornton before it became a smash hit for Elvis.  In fact, they both thought that even though the success and dollars they made from the Elvis' recording of "Hound Dog" were welcomed, they both still liked the Big Moma Thornton recording much better.

The book is written in first person, alternating between Leiber and Stoller recalling their individual thoughts during each period of their lives and careers.  I was especially delighted in their later work and personal stories about one of my favorite singers "Peggy Lee".  Peggy had two of her biggest hits with Leiber and Stoller songs, " I'm A Woman" in 1962 and "Is That All There Is" in 1969.

I enjoyed the trip back to a memorable musical period this book provided. However, I thought that the constant back and forth between Leiber's view to Stoller's view made the understanding of narrative somewhat more difficult.

                 BOOK REVIEW
The Music Man Awards This Book "3 Quarter Notes"

4 Quarter Notes= Excellent, Must Read
3 Quarter Notes= Good Read
2 Quarter Notes= Somewhat Interesting
1 Quarter Note = Save Your Time and Money

Brian Nova Trio Plays Great Jazz at Backstreet Bistro

Brian Nova

The Brian Nova Trio: Jay Lewis, Larry Holloway, Brian Nova

Larry Holloway and Brian Nova

Larry Holloway

Jay Lewis

Chase Huna and Brian Nova

Missoni Lanza and Brian Nova

The Brian Nova Trio and Carole Hampton

The legendary Harp Player, Ron Kalina

The night I went to Backstreet Bistro to hear Brian Nova, the outdoor event was cancelled due to high winds.  So when I heard that Brian would be performing on April 3 at Backstreet, I returned.  It was well worth it and proved to be a very entertaining evening.  Playing with a trio composed of Jay Lewis on drums, Larry Holloway on bass and Brian as lead with his guitar really cooking. Working with these two talented musicians provided the perfect background for Brian to showcase his amazing dexterity and imaginative improvising on the guitar.  In addition, Brian sang several great jazz tunes to the delight of the standing-room-only crowd at the Backstreet Bistro. Brian is an understated musical performer for all the lucky residents in the Coachella Valley.  If you love great jazz, you have to put hearing Brian on your "To Do" list. 

Of special note tonight was some killer-bass-playing from Larry Holloway and the always great drum playing from Jay Lewis. This trio sounded like they have been playing together for years and provided Brian with perfect backing.

As one would expect, there were several performers in the audience Brian called up to perform. First was a young sax player, Chase Huna.  Chase is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at the Palm Desert Charter Middle School and has only been playing for 3 years.  But don't let that fool you, he can play and improvise on sax exceptionally well.  Keep up the studying Chase, you have what it takes to become a great player in the very near future.  Next up was the lovely and talented singer and friend to all musicians in the Desert, Carole Hampton.  Carole has a wonderful voice and sings effortlessly to the delight of her admiring audiences.  Thanks for the great sounds, Carole!

Next up was one of my personal Desert favorites, Ron Kalina.  I just never get to hear enough of Ron's harp playing.  However, I just found out that Ron has put a trio together and will be performing at The Indians Wells Resort on Tuesday April 17.  This is a performance that should not be missed.  Mark your calendars and call the Indian Wells Resort at 760-345-6466 to reserve your table